Apologetics
Christian Apologetics
- Apologetics:
- Apologetics from the Greek word apologia meaning "verbal defence", "speech in defence", "a reasoned statement or argument" (Thayer's Greek definitions) ; apologetics is that field of theology concerned with defending Christianity against opposing world views, whether they be religious or secular.
There are basically two methods of apologetics; the evidential or classical method of apologetics deals with facts and evidences along with reason and logic to prove the existence of God. Basically, the idea that God exists is proven through reason and logic and then the validity of the Scriptures and the true God of the Bible are proven through factual evidences, such as archeological, manuscript evidences, prophetic fullfillments, miracles, eye witness accounts etc.
The second is the 1. presuppositional method of apologetics which involves not only an emphasis on the reality of the Christian God and the authority of the Bible as God's infallible written Word as the Christian presuppositions, but also exposes the presuppositions of opposing worldviews and shows them to be illogical and impossible. If the presuppositions are proven invalid, then all argumentation from those presuppositions are equally invalid. Contrary to other world views, the Christian presuppositions are shown to be logical and the only valid option. Everyone has presuppositions, or assumptions of truth, but the 2. axiom of truth is the true God and His Word.
There are variances within these two basic methods of apologetics, and the two sides often quarrel over which methodology is best and Scriptural. I believe that a combination of the two can be accomplished. Further, I believe classical and evidential methods only have merit when integrated within a presuppositional framework. Evidences can be used to disprove the presuppositions of opposing world views, and the logical progression of opposing worldview can be shown to invalidate the presuppositions of the opposing world views, and the presuppositions of opposing world views can be shown to need a cause and are unacceptable as axioms of belief. For an integrated style of apologetics similar to what I've described, read John M. Frame's works below.
- 1. Presupposition:
- A preliminary assumption of a basic truth(s) prior and necessary to all other considerations.
- 2. Axiom
- A self-evident truth that needs no proof or demonstration which is necessary for any logical progression or system.
My biggest problem with many modern day proponents of classical apologetics is that they ignore the Biblical principles of the depravity of man and his fallen state of mind and indeed, deny these basic Scriptural truths. They see unregenerate man as no less capable of reasonableness concerning Spiritual things as the born again believer, an idea the Bible flatly denies (1 Cor 1:18-24, 1 Cor 2:11-14, 2 Cor 4:3-5, Eph 4:17-19). This comes from the unbiblical idea that faith comes through a reasonable assessment of the gospel and a rational choice apart from enabling grace to come to Christ (Joh 6:43-45 , Joh 6:63-65 , Joh 10:26-27 , Joh 12:37-40). Read these articles with discernment. This certainly is not and has not always been the case, and many strongly Reformed apologists have found merit in the classical approach such as B.B. Warfield, Charles Hodge, R.C. Sproul etc.
Remember that the work of the apologist is to be carried out with meakness (gentleness) and fear (respect) (1 Peter 3:15)
Apologetics Menu
Classical/Evidential Articles
Apologetics Helps
Religious and Secular Movements
Presuppositional Apologetics
- Presuppositional Apologetics
- Basic overview and demonstration - by Matt Slick
- Presuppositional Apologetics
- A varied list of articles - by John M. Frame
- Articles by Greg Bahnsen
- A long list of articles.
- Why I Believe in God
- - by Cornelius Van Til
- A Survey of Christian Epistemology
- discussing man's knowledge - by Cornelius Van Til
- A Defence of Christianity
- A defence of Reformed presuppositional apologetics - by Cornelius Van Til
- Approaching Cults and World Religions from A Presuppositional Apologetic Perspective
- - by Jeff Downs
- Epistemology 101
- - by Grover Gunn
- Transcendental Arguments
- - by John M. Frame
- The Role and Use of Evidence in Reformed Presuppositional Apologetics
- - by Alejandro Moreno Morrison
- Defending the Lion: Presuppositionalism or a Classical Approach, Must We Choose?
- - by Gregg Strawbridge
Classical Apologetics
Apologetics Helps
Religious and Secular Movements